Identification

• Lemon grass generally grows between 2 and 4 feet in height and spreads 2 to 3 feet in clumps. It has long, thin leaves that are light green in color. When broken, the leaves give off a lemony scent.
  
  

Annual or Perennial

• In its natural environment, lemon grass is a perennial and a member of the Poaceae family. Once planted, it will grow every season; you will not need to replant it. If you wish, you may treat lemon grass as an annual. The Kemper Center for Home Gardening recommends that you take leaf sections with the roots attached and pot them during the winter season. You may plant these sections the following spring.
  
  

Conditions

• Lemon grass grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, where the average low temperatures in winter range from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and above. In full sun, the grass will thrive. It needs well-drained, organically rich loam, according to the Kemp Center for Home Gardening.